Three children and a woman have been killed in a house fire in Bradford in the early hours of this morning – with a man arrested on suspicion of murder. 

Officers were called at 2.07am by the fire service to reports of a blaze at a property on Westbury Road, West Yorkshire Police revealed.

A 29-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene while three children – two girls aged nine and one and a five-year-old boy – were taken to hospital but all three have now died from their injuries, the force said.

A 39-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital with critical injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team at West Yorkshire Police, said: ‘This is an absolutely devastating incident in which three children and a woman have lost their lives.

‘Our thoughts remain with their family, friends and loved ones.

‘Early enquiries show that the fire was started deliberately, and we have arrested one man on suspicion of murder.’ 

She described the suspect as ‘seriously ill in hospital today as a result of injuries caused by the fire’.

She added: ‘While our enquiries are at an early stage, we do at this time believe the incident is domestic related.

‘We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who has CCTV or doorbell footage to come forward.

‘Specially trained officers are supporting the family, and we are working with local neighbourhood officers to carry out enquiries and provide reassurance in the area.’

A floral tribute has been left at the scene, saying: ‘Have fun in heaven, we will miss you.’

Neighbours reported hearing ‘screams’ coming from the home after around five fire engines and a dozen ambulances arrived just after 2am.

Others saw smoke ‘billowing out of the house’ and smelled ‘burned rubber’ as the property went up in flames.

One neighbour, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: ‘Flames and smoke were coming out of house. We were shocked.

‘There was really thick smoke coming up the street. It filled the whole area. It looked foggy. It was overwhelming.

‘You could hear screaming. I was scared to go up there to see because you don’t know what’s happening. It’s a massive thing that’s gone on. It’s scary.”

‘My husband went up the street to see if he could help. He could see it was a house fire as there were flames and smoke coming out of it. The fire was blazing.

‘But firefighters and police told him to stand back and not put himself in danger. There were other residents trying to help too. He said he’d seen two firefighters run into the home.’

Another local resident, who did not want to be named, said: ‘There was a large police presence. I believe at least 15 police vehicles were there.

‘I also saw about six ambulances and at least four or five fire engines. I think it could have been a serious house fire.

‘We live down the street and we’re near the scene. It’s still all blocked off this morning.’

A further resident said: ‘It woke me up. I heard the sirens at 2am or 3am in the morning.

‘Smoke was billowing out of the house. I knew something had happened and it was not good. There was a bad smell. It smelled like burned rubber.’

Other locals revealed their horror at the loss of the four people in the fire, with one saying: ‘I did wake up and I saw all police incident vans. My nephew, who lives opposite, rang the fire brigade.

‘He also rang me to tell me he was all right. It’s a terrible thing to happen. It’s just awful and horrendous.’

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is asked to contact police via 101 or use the live chat facility https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat quoting log 107 of 21 August.

Information can also be given anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.